Dual diaphragm electrolysis cell assembly and method for generating a cleaning solution without any salt residues and simultaneously generating a sanitizing solution having a predetermined level of available free chlorine and pH

ABSTRACT

An Electrolysis cell assembly to produce diluted Sodium Hydroxide solutions (NAOH) and diluted Hypochlorous Acid (HOCL) solutions having cleaning and sanitizing properties. The electrolysis cell consists of two insulating end pieces for a cylindrical electrolysis cell comprising at least two cylindrical electrodes with two cylindrical diaphragms arranged co-axially between them. The method of producing different volumes and concentrations of diluted NAOH solutions and diluted HOCL solutions comprises recirculating an aqueous sodium chloride or potassium chloride solution into the middle chamber of the cylindrical electrolytic cell and feeding softened filtered water into the cathode chamber and into the anode chamber of the cylindrical electrolysis cell.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cylindrical electrolysis cellassembly for producing simultaneously a diluted Sodium Hydroxide anddiluted Hypochlorous Acid solution for usage as cleaning and sanitizingsolutions by electrolysis of an aqueous saline solution. The methodcomprising a cathode chamber, an electrolyte chamber and an anodechamber separated by two cylindrical diaphragms to prevent presence ofsalt residues in the cleaning and sanitizing solutions and whereas pHand free available chlorine content of the sanitizing solution can bealtered.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electrolysis cells are used for the production of cleaning andsanitizing solutions from brine. Also, electrolysis cells are used toproduce a sanitizing solution to disinfect water or other media. Manytypes of electrolysis cells exist for these purposes. The basic featureof these cells is two concentrically disposed cylindrical electrodeswith a diaphragm separating the space between the two electrodes todefine anode and cathode compartments. An electrolyte, such as brine, ispassed through the anode and cathode compartments, separately orsuccessively. When brine is electrolyzed in this way, under suitableconditions, it can produce a cleaning and sanitizing solution of highstrength and long shelf life, which is ecologically and human friendly.

Typically an electrolyte solution is passed through the anode andcathode chambers separately to produce a diluted Hypochlorous Acidsolution as a sanitizing solution and a diluted Sodium Hydroxidesolution as a cleaning solution. Alternatively, neutral sanitizingsolutions can be produced when an electrolyte is passed through theanode and cathode chambers successively.

The diaphragm is either made of a permeable ceramic or an ion-exchangemembrane. The diaphragm permits the diffusion of electrolytes betweenthe anode and cathode but retard the migration of electrolysis productsat the anode and cathode from diffusing to each other reverting back tostarting material or undesired side products.

Acidic sanitizing solutions are generated by passing saline through anelectrolytic cell comprising an anode chamber, a cathode chamber, and aseparator. The result contains free available chlorine (FAC) in the formof a mixture of oxidizing species, predominantly Hypochlorous Acid(HOCl) and sodium hypochlorite, and is characterized by its pH, FACcontent, and redox level. Such reactive species have a finite life andso, while the pH of the solution will usually stay constant over time,its biocide efficacy will decrease with age. Electrolysis cells eithercomprise cylindrical electrodes plus one cylindrical ceramic diaphragmor electrolysis cells comprise plate electrodes plus one ion permeablesheet of membrane as separator.

Usage of insoluble ion permeable membranes or ceramic diaphragms betweenthe electrodes have been described for more than 100 years as, forexample, that described in U.S. Pat. No. 590,826. U.S. Pat. No. 914,856describes a cell which permits the flow of electrolyte solutionsseparately through the anode and cathode compartments using concentriccylindrical electrodes with an ion permeable diaphragm.

The three-chamber cell has the following merits. Reductive species suchas dissolved hydrogen gas produced in the cathode chamber are likely tomigrate into the anode chamber through the diaphragm when utilizing atwo chamber cell, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,374,645, U.S.Pat. No. 7,691,249 or in U.S. Pat. No. 7,828,942. However, the middlechamber in the three-chamber cell control the diffusion of reductivespecies from the cathode chamber to the anode chamber and then the morestrongly oxidative anode water can be obtained.

In the cell shown in FIG. 1, the following electrolysis reactions takeplace.

At the Anode:

2H₂O→2H⁺+O₂+2e ⁻  [1]

At the Cathode:

2H++2e ⁻→H₂  [2]

These reactions increase the oxygen concentration in the anode solutionand the hydrogen concentration in the cathode solution, while leavingthe essential properties of electrolytic water unchanged. Further,migration of hydrogen ions formed on the anode toward the cathode islimited, and then the electrolysis reaction [3] takes place in additionto the reaction [1] and [2]:

H₂O+2e ⁻→½H₂+OH⁻  [3]

This reaction suggests that the pH of cathode water tends to shift tothe alkaline region. Hydrogen ions formed in the anode chamber in thereaction [1] remain partly in that chamber. In the two-chamber cellshown in FIG. 1 the anode solution, therefore, is likely to be chargedwith the hydrogen ions, while the cathode water is charged withhydroxide ions. In other words, the charged water produced usingelectrolysis cell shown in FIG. 1 may not be suitable for the surfacecleaning such as glass, mirrors, metals or treatment of semiconductorsor resins.

In order to enhance the cleaning or surface treatment efficacy, anodewater is required to be more oxidative and/or acidic and cathode wateris required to be more reductive and/or alkaline. However, theelectrolysis cell shown in FIG. 1 is difficult to produce the effectivesolutions.

The three-chamber cell shown in FIG. 2 is designed to solve the problemmentioned above, where the middle chamber added between the anodechamber and the cathode chamber. Using the three-chamber cell easilyelectrolysis softened water.

Another merit of a three chamber cell is the fact that no electrolyte isfed into the anode and cathode chamber. Although efficiency of twochamber electrolysis cells has been significantly improved, not allelectrolytes that pass the cathode chamber are conversed into SodiumHydroxide. Likewise, not all electrolytes that pass the anode chamberare conversed into Hypochlorous Acid and/or Hypochlorite Ion.

As a result, both the cleaning and sanitizing solutions generated in atwo cell electrolysis cell contain salt residues. Presence of salt inboth the cleaning and sanitizing solutions limit its usage for surfacetreatment, as salt is corrosive, streaks the surface, and leavesdeposits on the surface. As a result, most cleaning and sanitizingprocedures include an extra rinse with potable water.

This invention resolves the deposits of salt and thus allows forcleaning and sanitation of surfaces without additional rinsing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a cylindrical dual diaphragm electrolysiscell assembly comprising a cathode chamber, electrolyte chamber, and ananode chamber. The present invention provides an insulating end piecefor a cylindrical electrolysis cell of the type comprising at least twocylindrical electrodes arranged coaxially one within the other with twocylindrical diaphragms arranged coaxially between them.

Softened filtered water passed through the cathode chamber functions ascleaning agent for all surfaces, fabrics, textiles, and carpets.Softened filtered water passed through the anode chamber functions assanitizing agent for all hard surfaces.

Anodic electrolysis of softened water produces hydrogen ions, where noanion is present as counter ion, unlike acidic solutions prepared byadding acid such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid. The anode waterproduced by electrolyzing softened water exhibits that the solution ischarged. Moreover, the hydrogen ion by itself is an electron acceptorand so exhibits one of oxidizing species. So, the oxidation-reductionpotential of anode water tends to shift to noble side. In other words,the redox sensor indicates a plus value. During cathodic electrolysis ofsoftened water is reduced at the cathode. This occurs because water ismore easily reduced than are sodium ions. Cathodic electrolysis altersthe H+/OH− balance around the cathode making the solution more basic andthe oxidation reduction potential of cathode becomes negative.

When the two-chamber cell depicted in FIG. 1 is used, the cathode wateris not necessarily suitable for actual cleaning or a surface treatmentwithout rinsing the surface with distilled, RO or tap water. The anodewater is not necessarily suitable for sanitizing hard surfaces withoutrinsing the surface afterwards with distilled, RO or tap water. Soimproving the electrolysis cell is very important to apply to actualuse.

More specifically, the important factors for producing effectivecleaning and sanitizing agents are an apparent current density (current(A)/apparent area of whole electrode (cm.sup.2), a fluid velocity alongthe electrode surface, and a true current density (effective currentdensity=current (A)/true area of the electrode (cm.sup.2)). As the fluidvelocity increases, the hydrogen ions and other electrolytic speciesproduced on the electrode surface migrate faster.

Various different sanitizing solutions can be produced in theelectrolysis cells of the present invention, depending on the variousflow patterns through the cell. For example, the softened water can befed to the anode and cathode chambers and the electrolyzed solutions canthen be collected from each of these chambers separately. Alternatively,the softened water can be fed through both the cathode and anodechambers successively. Other factors which can be used to vary thesanitizing solution include the voltage applied to the electrodes, theelectrical power absorbed, the electrode coating and physical size ofthe electrode, the shape of the electrodes and distances between themand the spacing and material of the membrane. The membrane material isalso an important feature since it affects the mobility of ions passingbetween the electrodes.

An objective of the invention is to provide a cylindrical electrolyticcell than can produce diluted Sodium Hydroxide and simultaneouslydiluted Hypochlorous Acid whereas the pH and the free chlorine contentcan be adjusted.

Another objective of the invention is to disclose a method and apparatusthat can prevent the presence of salt residues in cleaning andsanitizing solutions whereas pH and free available chlorine content ofthe sanitizing solution can be altered.

Another objective of the invention is to improve cleanliness, as thecleaning solutions produced by the electrolytic cell are effective forcleaning all surfaces by removing fine particles or the like wherefromand sanitizing solutions produced by the electrolytic cell are effectivefor sanitizing all hard surfaces by oxidation of micro-organism andviruses.

Yet another objective of the invention is to produce cleaning andsanitizing solutions that are also effective for cleaning and sanitizingresins or the like, in particular resins for beverage, dairy, and evenmedical devices.

Yet still another objective of the invention is to produce cleaning andsanitizing solutions wherein no special chemical remains after cleaningand sanitizing.

Other objectives and further advantages and benefits associated withthis invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thedescription, examples and claims which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 (prior art) is a view of a two chamber cylindrical electrolysiscell as described in e.g. in U.S. Pat. No. 7,374,645, U.S. Pat. No.7,691,249, U.S. Pat. No. 7,828,942, or in U.S. Pat. No. 8,002,955.

FIG. 2 is a view of a three chamber cylindrical electrolysis cellassembly using two diaphragms to create a middle chamber whereaselectrolyte is circulated.

FIG. 3 (prior art) is a view of a typical two chamber electrolysis cellassembly cut in a plane on the center axis between the port to oneelectrode compartment in one end cap and the port to the other electrodecompartment in the other end cap.

FIG. 4 is a view of a three chamber electrolysis cell assembly cut in aplane on the center axis between the port to one electrode compartmentin one end cap and the port to the other electrode compartment in theother end cap.

FIG. 5 (prior art) is a view of a one section end piece from the sideinto which the tubes of a two chamber electrolysis cell would beinserted.

FIG. 6 (prior art) is a view of a one section end plug with only theinserted tubes cut in a plane of the center axis.

FIG. 7 is a view of a multiple section end piece from the side intowhich the tubes of a three chamber electrolysis cell would be inserted.

FIG. 8 is a view of a multiple section end piece from the top of a threechamber electrolysis cell.

FIG. 9 (prior art) is a view of typical flow patterns in a two chamberelectrolysis cell.

FIG. 10 is a view of typical flow patterns in a three chamberelectrolysis cell.

FIG. 11 (prior art) is a view of alternative flow patterns in a twochamber electrolysis cell.

FIG. 12 is a view of alternative flow patterns in a three chamberelectrolysis cell.

FIG. 13 is a view of the brine reservoir and peristaltic pump tocirculate the electrolyte.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to the construction of an optimizedcylindrical electrolysis cell that produces a cleaning solution andsimultaneously a sanitizing solution. The diluted Sodium Hydroxidesolution is more alkaline, contains no salt residues and, therefore, thesolutions can be used to clean any surface without rinsing the surfaceafterwards with distilled, RO water or tap water. The dilutedHypochlorous Acid solution contains no salt residues and its freeavailable chlorine content as well as pH can be adjusted. As a result,surfaces can be effectively sanitized using a sanitizing solution whichpH and free available chlorine is ‘tailored’ to sanitize a certainsurface taking into account chlorine consumption and in line withvarious sanitizing procedures as set by regulatory agencies such as theFDA, EPA, USDA and CDC. Certain surfaces require a more acidic sanitizerwhereas other surfaces are damaged by the acid nature of the sanitizer.In these cases, a more neutral pH Hypochlorous Acid is preferred. Also,the absence of salt residues allows the use of the sanitizing solutionon any surface without rinsing the surface with distilled, RO or tapwater.

The three chamber electrolysis cell is illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4,where a cylindrical electrode [1] is positioned within a cylindricaldiaphragm [2] which is positioned within a second cylindrical diaphragm[3], where the cylindrical diaphragm [3] is positioned within a secondcylindrical electrode [4] by the use of two end pieces [99] whichconsist of a tube cap [6], port A cap [7], port B cap [8] and port C cap[9].

The design of the four sections of the end piece [99] permits theorientation and sealing of the entire assembly [100]. Tube cap [6] sealsthe outer electrode [4] with the end piece [99] using an O-ring [12].The tube cap [6] is either glued or screwed on the outer electrode [4].In case the tube cap [6] is screwed on the outer electrode [4], theouter electrode tube-ends have a male thread that fits a female threadmanufactured in the tube cap [6].

Port A cap [7] features port A for direction of the flow of softenedwater through port A ending in fittings [17] into the chamber A definedby the spaces between the anode [4] and the diaphragm [3] and out ofchamber A through port A ending in fittings [17] of the opposite port Acap [6].

Port B cap [8] features port B for direction of the flow of saturatedbrine through port B ending in fittings [17] into chamber B defined bythe spaces between the diaphragm [2] and diaphragm [3] and out ofchamber B through port B ending in fittings [17] of the opposite port Bcap [8].

Port C cap [9] features port C for direction of the flow of softenedwater through port C ending in fittings [17] into chamber C defined bythe spaces between the inner electrode [1] and the diaphragm [2] and outof chamber C through port C ending in fittings [17] of the opposite portC cap [9].

The four sections of end piece [99] are either glued on each other orcompressed on each other using O-rings [13] to seal the section on eachother.

The tube cap [6] is either glued or screwed on the outer electrode [4].Port A cap [7] is either glued or pressed on the tube cap [6] whereasthe tube cap [6] facilitated a groove for an O-ring [13] and whereasport A cap [7] is pressed on the tube cap [6]. Port B cap [8] is eitherglued or pressed on port A cap [7] whereas the port A cap [7]facilitated a groove for an O-ring [13] and whereas the Port B cap [8]is pressed on port A cap [7]. Port C cap [8] is either glued or pressedon port B cap [7] whereas port B cap [7] facilitated a groove for anO-ring [13] and whereas port C cap [8] is pressed on port B cap [7].

The tube cap [6], port A cap [7], port B cap [8] and port C cap [8] arebolted together using three stainless steel bolts [18], washers [19] andnuts [20]. In each section of the end piece [99], there are three holes[21] to facilitate the stainless steel bolts [18], washers [19] and nuts[20]. The seal between each section of the end piece [99] is achieved bycompressing the sections of the end piece [99] onto each other, in amanner such that the compressive force can be applied slowly andsmoothly without the introduction of torque such that a reliable seal isproduced without damaging the ceramic diaphragms [2] and [3].

Either of the electrodes [1] and [4] can act as the anode with the otheracting as the cathode. The choice can be made by considerations of theease of manufacture or requirements of the nature of the electrolysisprocess to be performed which can favor the anode or cathode chamberpreferentially being the outer chamber. These considerations include thedesired spacing between the electrodes and the diaphragms, the desiredspace between diaphragm [2] and [3] and the relative volume requirementsfor the balance of flows of the electrolyte solution in chamber B andthe softened water in chamber A and chamber C.

The inner electrode [1] and outer electrode [4] tubes are constructed ofan electrically conductive material, preferably titanium.

The metal electrode tubes are coated with a mixed metal oxide on theface of the tube directed toward the diaphragms [2] and [3]. The metalsof the two electrodes can be titanium or stainless steel. Both metalscan be coated with a mixed metal oxide. The cathode can be an uncoatedmetal, but the anode has to be a mixed metal oxide coated metal. Apreferred arrangement has the outside electrode tube [4] as the anodeinternally coated with a mixed metal oxide and the inner electrode tube[1] as the cathode and not coated.

The outer electrode [4] is shown in FIG. 2 with an electrical connector[10] welded to the outside of the outer electrode [4] tube. The innerelectrode [1] has an electrical connector [11] on its end that is partof the inner electrode [1] and extends out of the outside of the upperend piece [99]. Although not necessary for the function of the assembly,the outside of the outer electrode [4] is insulated by a rubber sleeve[5] that is heat-shrinked over the outer electrode [4] and cut tolength. Another option is to glue an insulating sheath [5] or tube onthe outside of the outer electrode [4].

The anode and cathode are separated by two diaphragms [2] and [3].Preferably, these diaphragms are made of alumina, zirconium containingceramic. The thickness of the diaphragm can vary over a broad rangedepending on the application the electrolysis cell assembly [100] is tobe used, the diaphragms [2] and [3] are relatively fragile and a wallthickness of 1.5 to 2 mm is preferred for most applications.

The relative diameter of the outer electrode [4], inner electrode [1],diaphragms [2] and [3] can vary within the single requirement that outerelectrode [4] must be of greater diameter than diaphragm [3], thediameter of diaphragm [3] greater than diaphragm [2] and the diameter ofdiaphragm [3] greater than the inner electrode tube [4]. The actualdiameters can vary depending upon the desired features of theelectrolysis cell assembly [100]. To this end the diameters can bevaried to optimize the rate of electrolysis, rate of flow through thecell assembly, and other needs of the system to which the assembly willbe used. Likewise, the relative length of the electrodes [1] and [4] anddiaphragms [2] and [3] can vary within the single requirement of thisembodiment that the outer electrode tube [4] must be shorter thandiaphragm [3], diaphragm [3] shorter than diaphragm [2] and diaphragm[2] shorter than inner electrode [1]. The lengths of the electrodes [1]and [4] and the length of the diaphragms [2] and [3] can be determinedby factors such as ease of construction and geometries to optimize theperformance of the electrolysis cell assembly in the system in which itis to perform.

The upper and lower end pieces [99] are interchangeable and constructedof an insulating material, preferably Polyvinyl Chloride. Each end piece[99] consist of four sections, the tube cap [6], Port A cap [7], Port Bcap [8] and port C cap [9].

The four sections of the end piece [99] can be formed by molding ormachining. Ports [17] are for introduction or exit of softened water tochamber A and to chamber C. Port [17] is for the introduction and exitof electrolyte to chamber B. All sections of the end piece [99] consistof three or more holes to accept three or more stainless steel bolts[18], washers [19] and nuts [20] by which the four sections of the endpiece [99] are compressed together.

Three sections [6], [7] and [9] of the end piece [99] have a groove tofacilitate O-ring [13] to form the seals between the end piece sections.When the tube cap [6] is screwed on the outer electrode [4] andstainless steel bolts [18], washers [19] and nuts [20] are used, thenthe three bolts provide the structural integrity of the assembly [100].If the tube cap [6] is glued on the outer electrode [4], then the threesections of the end piece [99] are also glued together.

Two holes [22] with female thread are made in the tube cap [6] at bothopposite sides. This allows mounting the assembly [100] on a plate orbracket. This plate or bracket may be a plastic or stainless steel aslong as the metal is insulated from one or both of the electrodes. Apreferred fabrication of a mounting plate or bracket is a machined sheetof Polyvinyl Chloride, which is commercially available as PVC.

One critical feature of the end piece [99] is that the inside diameterof all sections of the end piece [99] closely match the outsidediameters of the four tubes [1], [2], [3] and [4] so that when usingglue as a sealant, a good seal can be achieved. When screwing the tubecap [6] on the outer electrode [4] and when the other sections of theend piece [99] are compressed on each other, it is important that theO-rings [12], [14], [15] and [16] form a good seal between the tubes[1], [2], [3] and [4] and the four end caps [6], [7], [8] and [9] aswell form a good seal between the four sections themselves using O-ring[13]. The relatively fragile diaphragms [2] and [3] require the use ofO-rings [14] and [15] to form the seal such that whilst assembling, thediaphragms do not break. It is necessary that, upon assembly, the lengthof the cell assembly [100] is defined by the length imposed by the outerelectrode tube [4]. The diaphragms [2] and [3] must be long enough toseal at both ends by O-rings [14] and [15] even if one end of thediaphragms [2] and [3] is resting on Port B cap [8] and Port C cap [9].

A second critical feature of the end caps [99] is the presence of threeports. Port A begins at fitting [17] on an outside surface of Port A [7]permits the flow of softened water through chamber A defined by theinside of the outer electrode tube [4] and the outside of diaphragm [3]as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4. Port C begins at fitting [17] on anoutside surface of Port C cap [9] and permits the flow of softened waterthrough chamber C defined by the inside of diaphragm [2] and the outsideof inner electrode [1] as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4. Port Bbegins at the fitting [17] on an outside surface of port B cap [8] andpermits the flow of an electrolyte solution through chamber B defined bythe inside of diaphragm [3] and the outside diaphragm [2], asillustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. The outside of port A, port B and portC is a fitting [17] which accepts a tube for introduction or exit of afluid to the cell assembly [100].

These fittings [17] can be a compression fitting, as is illustrated inFIG. 2 and FIG. 4, or it can be a hose barb or some other coupling whichis appropriate for the system within which the electrolysis cellassembly [100] is to function. The orientation of the portsisnecessarily to promote a tight spiral flow around the inner electrodetube [1], diaphragm [2] and [3] between the spaces in chamber A, chamberB and chamber C.

The end pieces [99] can have other configurations as long as theconfiguration permits for the sealing of the assembly where thecompressive force is imposed upon the outer electrode [4] and nosignificant compressive force is imposed on the diaphragms [2] and [3].The different types of end pieces [99] can be combined in anycombination as long as the appropriate lengths of tubing are chosen andas long as the sections of the end piece [99] can be sealed together bycompression or by using glue. While the preferred end piece [99] hasbeen illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention isnot so limited. Modifications, changes, variations, substitutions andequivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention as described in theclaims.

Another critical feature of this invention is the construction of thebrine reservoir [98] and the usage of a pump [23] to circulate anelectrolyte from the brine reservoir [98] through chamber B to the brinereservoir [98] as shown in FIG. 13. The brine reservoir [98] ispreferably manufactured from a transparent plastic tube [24] and two endpieces [25] and [26] made of Polyvinyl Chloride, which is commerciallyavailable as PVC. The transparent tube [24] is glued between end piece[25] and end piece [26]. End piece [25] has a male thread that allowsscrewing a cap [27] on top of end piece [25]. End piece [25] has also aport [28] whereas through fitting [17] a tube can be connected for theexit of the electrolyte to chamber B. End piece [26] has a port [29] onthe bottom of end piece [26] whereas through fitting [17] a tube can beconnected for the inlet of softened water. End piece [26] has anotherport [30] on the bottom of end piece [26] with valve [31]. Opening valve[31] allows drainage of the electrolyte from the brine reservoir [98].Ports [29] and [30] have been constructed in such a way that theaperture of ports [29] and [30] is located above the brine fill line.This feature is important for two reasons. Firstly, when granular saltis added to the brine container [98] by opening cap [26], no salt canenter into ports [29] and [30] as the apertures are located at the sideof these elevated ports [29] and [30]. Secondly, when opening valve[31], only the electrolyte is drained and the brine reservoir [98]remains filled with granular salt that is collected at the bottom of thebrine reservoir [98] on top of end piece [26]. End piece [26] has athird port [32] on the bottom of end piece [26] whereas through afitting [17] a tube can be connected for the inlet of electrolyte fromthe pump [23]. Port [32] has been constructed in such a way that theaperture of port [31] is located under the brine fill line. This featureis important for two reasons. Firstly, when granular salt is added tothe brine container [98] by opening cap [27], no salt can enter intoport [31] as the inlet is located at the side of the port [31].Secondly, the electrolyte from the pump is circulated through a brinelayer that saturates the electrolyte. The electrolyte is circulatedthrough pump [23] which is preferably a peristaltic pump with a variablepump-speed and which has two fittings [17] to connect a tube from thebrine reservoir [98] to the pump [23] and from the pump [23] to the cellassembly [100]. The brine concentration can be adjusted by addinggranular salt and softened water into the brine reservoir [98]. Theelectrolyte is preferably made by adding granular sodium chloride intothe brine reservoir [98] by opening cap [27]. Besides granular sodiumchloride, granular potassium chloride can be used. The electrolyte ispreferably a saturated aqueous brine solution. Saturation of theelectrolyte is ensured by circulating the electrolyte through the brinereservoir [98] that is filled with a certain minimum amount of brine.The electrolyte is circulated from the bottom of the brine reservoir[98] through a layer of salt that is at the bottom of the brinereservoir [98].

This three chamber cylindrical electrolysis cell can be used withdifferent flow patterns allowing changing the volume of the cleaning andsanitizing solution, as well the pH and free available chlorine content.A typical flow pattern permits approximately 30 to 70% of the softenedwater to pass the anode chamber and approximately 70 to 30% of thesoftened water to pass the cathode chamber. The volume of softened waterthat passes the anode chamber or cathode chamber can be restricted byclosing a valve which is mounted in the outlet tube of the anode chamberand the volume of softened water that passes the cathode chamber can berestricted by closing a valve that is mounted in the outlet tube of thecathode chamber. An alternative flow pattern is a flow pattern whereas100% of the softened water is passed through either the cathode chamberor anode chamber. Approximately 70 to 100% of the electrolyzed solutionthat either exits the cathode chamber or anode chamber is re-directed tothe inlet of either the anode chamber or the cathode chamber whereas 0to 30% of the electrolyzed liquid is collected in a Sodium Hydroxidestorage container or drained as useful by-product. This alternative flowpattern whereas 70 to 100% of the electrolyzed solution is collected ina Hypochlorous Acid storage container is preferred when there is no orlittle usage of the by-product and whereas the volume of themain-product is maximized. A preferred alternative flow pattern is topass softened water first through the cathode chamber, wherein theoutlet tube is a tee mounted to allow approximately 20% of the dilutedsodium hydroxide to flow to a storage tank and where approximately 80%of the diluted sodium hydroxide is re-entered in the anode chamber. Theresult of this preferred alternative flow pattern is that approximately80% of the softened water has undergone cathodic electrolysis followedby anodic electrolysis to generate a neutral pH sanitizing solution.Re-entering more diluted Sodium Hydroxide into the anode chamber willincrease the pH of the diluted Hypochlorous Acid and re-entering lessdiluted Sodium Hydroxide will reduce the pH of the diluted HypochlorousAcid. The volume of the diluted Sodium Hydroxide that enters the anodechamber is regulated by a valve that is mounted in the outlet tube ofthe cathode chamber between the tee and the Sodium Hydroxide storagecontainer.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the presentinvention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain theends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. Theembodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein arepresently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended tobe exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changestherein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which areencompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by thescope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been describedin connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should beunderstood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited tosuch specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of thedescribed modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious tothose skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of thefollowing claims.

We claim:
 1. A method of making electrolyzed liquids utilizing anelectrolysis cell comprising an outer cylindrical electrode separatedfrom an inner cylindrical electrode by two cylindrical diaphragmsarranged coaxially one within the other to create a cathode chamber, amiddle chamber and an anode chamber; providing a pair of end pieceswhere the space between the inner tubular electrode and the membrane andthe space between the membrane and the outer tubular electrode definesanode and cathode chambers; where the space between the diaphragmsdefines the electrolyte chamber and where one of the electrodesfunctions as an anode and the other electrode functions as a cathode;providing a saturated brine solution to the middle chamber of theelectrolysis cell and providing softened water to the anode and cathodechamber applying a current across the electrodes, wherein each end pieceprovides a sealing engagement between the four sections of the end pieceand each of the cylindrical electrodes and the two cylindricaldiaphragms, wherein the end piece has a lateral inlet through an outerwall thereof, said inlet being provided with a fitting for tangentialfeeding of the liquid to the inside of the end piece, and wherein threepairs of ports for entrance or exit of fluid are situated in the upperand lower end piece, each comprising an external fitting for attachmentof a hose or pipe, wherein said first pair of ports at opposite ends ofsaid assembly internally addresses a space between said outer electrodetube and said outer diaphragm and said second pair of ports at oppositeends of said assembly internally addresses a space between said outerdiaphragm and said inner diaphragm and said third pair of ports atopposite ends of said assembly internally addresses a space between saidinner electrode tube and said inner diaphragm.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the two diaphragms are a cylindrical ceramic membrane or acylindrical polymer ion exchange membrane.
 3. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the anode and cathode, or both, comprise a titaniumbase activated with a mixed metal oxide coating structure comprisingruthenium, iridium, titanium, tantalum, rhodium and mixtures thereof. 4.The assembly of claim 1, wherein said end piece comprises four stackablesections of complimentary topography with at least one seal formingfeature at every interface between adjacent sections wherein said sealforming feature is a sealant or compressible ridge, a gasket, or anO-ring.
 5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the end pieces comprisePolyvinyl Chloride (PVC), said gaskets and O-rings comprised of EthylenePropylene (EPDM), Nitrile (BUNA-N), Fluorocarbon (FKM any) orcombination of a plastic and a rubber.
 6. The method of claim 1, whereinan electrolyte is circulated through the middle chamber is a sodiumchloride solution or a potassium chloride solution.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, where the electrolyte is saturated by circulating theelectrolyte through an intermediate chamber lined with sodium chlorideor potassium chloride and where the intermediate chamber can be openedto fill the reservoir with granular sodium chloride or granularpotassium chloride and whereas the intermediate chamber is an externalbrine reservoir and not part of the cylindrical electrolysis cell. 8.The method of claim 7, whereas the electrolyte is circulated between themiddle chamber and the brine reservoir using a variable speedperistaltic pump and where said pump being in communication with thereservoir through a main feed line made from a flexible and resilientmaterial and to the middle chamber.
 9. The method of claim 7, whereasthe intermediate chamber is pressurized with softened water and whereasthe electrolyte in intermediate chamber can be drained by opening avalve.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid is brine and themethod further comprises, isolating an alkaline cleaning liquid having anegative redox potential ranging from 600 to 1200 mV.
 11. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the liquid is brine and the method further comprises,isolating an acidic sanitizing solution having a positive redoxpotential ranging from 600 to 1200 mV.
 12. The method of claim 1,wherein a portion of the liquid exiting the cathode chamber is fed intothe anode chamber and another portion collected in a storage tank ordrained.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein a part of the diluted SodiumHydroxide solution (NAOH) is fed successively through the anode chamberto produce a more neutral pH Hypochlorous Acid solution (HOCL).
 14. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the pH of the sanitizing solution isregulated by re-directing a volume of Sodium Hydroxide (NAOH) throughthe anode chamber.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein softened water issupplied to both the anode chamber and cathode chamber at a lower endpiece of the electrolysis cell and cleaning solutions (NAOH) andsanitizing solutions (HOCL) are obtained from an upper end piece of thecell.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein a spiral feed of the softenedwater is fed to the anode and cathode chamber using tangential inlet andoutlet ports and a spiral fed of electrolyte is fed into the middlechamber using tangential inlet and outlet ports.
 17. The method of claim1, wherein the current is a direct current is applied across theelectrodes.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the free availablechlorine content is regulated by altering the voltage, volume ofsoftened water through the anode chamber and cathode chamber, brineconcentration and whereas the current across the electrodes is at least20 amps.
 19. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the cathode chambercomprises an inlet fitting connected to a tube that passes tangentiallythrough a specific section of the lower end piece to communicate withthe cathode chamber through an aperture and wherein the anode chambercomprises an inlet fitting connected to a tube that passes tangentiallythrough a specific section of the lower end piece to communicate withthe cathode chamber through an aperture
 20. The assembly of claim 19,wherein a specific section of the lower end piece comprises an inletfitting connected to a pipe that passes through the specific section ofthe lower end piece to communicate with the middle chamber through anaperture.
 21. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the cathode chambercomprises an outlet fitting connected to an tube that passestangentially through a specific section of the upper end piece tocommunicate with the cathode chamber through an aperture and wherein theanode chamber comprises an outlet fitting connected to a tube thatpasses tangentially through a specific section of the upper end piece tocommunicate with the cathode chamber through an aperture.
 22. Theassembly of claim 21, wherein a specific section of the upper end piececomprises an outlet fitting connected to a pipe that passes through aspecific section of the upper end piece to communicate with the middlechamber through an aperture.
 23. The assembly of claim 1, wherein saidports address said spaces through said end pieces or through saidelectrode tubes adjacent to the site of insertion of said electrodetubes into said end pieces.
 24. The assembly of claim 1, wherein saidentrance ports direct the flow of said fluid at an angle of 0 to 15degrees relative to the plane of said seats of said end pieces.
 25. Themethod of claim 1, where the generated diluted Sodium Hydroxide ascleaning solution is suitable for cleaning all surfaces, includingtextiles, fabrics and carpets.
 26. The method of claim 1, where thegenerated diluted Hypochlorous Acid as sanitizing solution is suitablefor sanitizing all hard surfaces including glass, mirrors, plastics,wood, ceramic, granite, metals and laminate.
 27. The method of claim 1,where the generated cleaning and sanitizing solution contains no saltresidues due to the fact that the electrolyte is circulated in themiddle chamber and no electrolyte is fed into the cathode chamber and noelectrolyte is fed into the anode chamber.
 28. The method of claim 27,wherein the absence of salt residue means that no residue will appear onsurfaces including fabrics that are cleaned and sanitized with thegenerated diluted Sodium Hydroxide and diluted Hypochlorous Acidsolutions.